Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an estimate of the current number of vacant properties, by county, which are in the ownership of the State and under the management of the Office of Public Works inclusive.
Reply from Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Brian Hayes: The number of vacant State-owned properties per county is listed in the table above. The majority of vacant state-owned properties are comprised of the recently closed Garda stations that are no longer required for operational reasons. The remainder consist of customs posts, coastguard stations and sundry other properties.
The Commissioners of Public Works are currently assessing the options arising in respect of vacant State-owned buildings. This assessment will include other potential State uses for the properties. If and when properties are considered surplus to requirements, the Commissioners will consider options, including disposal on the open market and where applicable, viable local proposals.